The film focuses on the platonic, intellectual bond between Holmes and Watson. It adheres to the heteronormative social constraints of the era, offering no explicit depiction of non-cisnormative identities.

Agency is concentrated in the male protagonists, who drive the plot through investigation. Female characters occupy secondary roles, often serving as catalysts for the men rather than driving the narrative.

The cast is predominantly white and European, reflecting the colonial-era London of the source material. The narrative remains centered on Anglo-Saxon perspectives without diverse ensemble casting.

This faithful period piece emphasizes social class and established institutions. It prioritizes historical accuracy and the rule of law over modern geopolitical or anti-Western critiques.

Disability is not a central theme in this installment. There is no evidence of characters with disabilities being granted significant agency or portrayed beyond traditional genre tropes.